Derbyshire make 'statement' Abbas signing

Derbyshire have signed experienced Pakistan seam bowler Mohammad Abbas on a two-year deal.

Abbas, who helped Nottinghamshire to the County Championship title last season, has been persuaded to step down a division by his former international coach Mickey Arthur - Derbyshire's Head of Cricket.

However, he is aiming to spend only one season in Division Two with his sights firmly set on promotion.

"It's exciting for me to join Derbyshire and work with Mickey Arthur again," said the 35-year-old.

"He's a fantastic coach and hearing his plans for Derbyshire we share the same ambitions for the club - to be in Division One.

"The team only just missed out on promotion in 2025 so I'm hoping I can come in and perform to win a few more games and give our supporters a trophy to celebrate."

Abbas, who has taken 100 Test wickets including a Test-best 6-54 against South Africa last year, is well suited to English conditions having also enjoyed successful spells with Leicestershire and Hampshire.

Arthur, who gave Abbas his Test debut in 2017, is excited to welcome him on board.

"This is a statement signing for us," Arthur told the club's website.

"We've beaten a number of Division One counties to sign one of the finest red ball bowlers around and we're absolutely delighted to have Mohammad on board for 2026 and 2027.

"He's an exceptional bowler. He bowls maidens, he builds pressure and his wickets come at a really impressive average.

"However, it's not just his ability which will be huge for us, his experience is going to be massive for our young players to learn from."